CHICAGO,ILLINOIS — Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined BlueGrace Logistics, a nationwide third-party logistics (3PL) provider, to announce the company is opening an office in downtown Chicago. BlueGrace plans to add 80 jobs at its new location in the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building. The new office will open July 9, 2018 and support the continued strong growth BlueGrace has accomplished since its launch nine years ago.

“Innovative businesses choose to grow and invest in Chicago because they recognize the unparalleled strength of the city’s talent and transportation networks,” Mayor Emanuel said. “BlueGrace Logistics is a welcome addition to the city’s innovation ecosystem and I look forward to watching them thrive in their new home in the city of Chicago.”

“The unique layout of the existing office fits the BlueGrace culture of high energy and pursuing outrageous goals.” said Bobby Harris, President and CEO. “The Midwest area is rich with young, college-educated talent, and Chicago is already an elite spot for the logistics industry. The proximity of public transportation and all of the other amenities of downtown Chicago alongside this location made this an easy and logical choice for our business growth strategy to recruit, hire, and train the best and brightest young talent available.”

Mark Ford, COO of BlueGrace Logistics, who will manage the employees in the downtown Chicago office, commented: “As complexity increases, more companies are turning to 3PL’s for their industry expertise and ability to provide access to many different carriers, routes, and modes of transport at competitive prices. To stay competitive, 3PL providers will continue to evolve, and innovation and technology will play a key part in their success. BlueGrace is exploding with growth, and Chicago is the epicenter of the 3PL community, so it is only natural that we significantly increase our investment in human resources in this city and make a long-term commitment to the area.”

BlueGrace plans on hiring 80 new employees to fill the Chicago office in the next 12 months. These sales professionals will support the company’s operations nationwide. The company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida and has 10 regional offices across the United States.

About BlueGrace Logistics:

Founded in 2009, BlueGrace Logistics is one of the largest third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the United States. With over 500 employees and working with over 10,000 customers to provide successful shipping solutions, the company has achieved explosive growth in its nearly 10-year operating history. Backed by a $255 million investment by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, the company operates 11 locations nationwide, and its headquarters are in the sunny Tampa Bay area of Florida.